This section provides an overview for selector switches as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 42 selector switch manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked selector switch companies as of November, 2024: 1.Thermwood Corp., 2.Wisconsin Oven Corporation, 3.COMELETRIC.
Table of Contents
A selector switch is a switch that selects from multiple options. Typically featuring a disk-shaped or square knob, it can be rotated to choose different options. These switches are simple to operate, allowing quick selection by turning the knob. This is especially useful when multiple choices or modes are available.
Selector switches are mechanically operated, ensuring reliable and trustworthy operation. However, they are limited to selecting from a predefined set of options and may not accommodate new choices or settings without modification.
Selector switches have various applications, including:
In audio equipment, selector switches are used to choose different input sources and control volume levels, facilitating user preference for music or content and volume adjustments. They often include switches for sound effects and equalizer settings.
In industrial control panels, selector switches are employed to alternate between operating modes of manufacturing processes, such as starting/stopping a production line or switching production modes. They are crucial for manual control by operators.
In electronics, selector switches enable switching between different operational modes or settings, like adjusting camera settings or changing phone modes. They simplify and expedite function changes.
Selector switches operate by physically switching between different electrical circuits. They consist of a knob or lever, contacts, and a housing. Inside, electrical contacts made from conductive materials like copper, silver, or gold, open and close with the knob's movement, forming circuits for electric current flow.
The external case, typically hard plastic, insulates the conductive parts and provides protection and stability during use.
When choosing a selector switch, consider:
The number of notches represents the switch's options or positions. Select based on the required choices.
Frame dimensions are crucial for ensuring adequate mounting space on the device or panel. Consider dimensions, especially if placing multiple buttons on the same panel.
Contact configuration refers to the contact system for each option. Choose the number of contacts and their operation at each position based on the application.
The return method determines if the switch automatically returns to its original position after use. Non-return types stay in the selected position, while return types revert. Non-return is suitable for applications requiring consistent selection rather than temporary operation.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Wisconsin Oven Corporation has operated since 1973 and is located in East Troy, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Oven designs, engineers, and manufactures industrial ovens and other heating equipment for numerous applications including heat treating, powder coating, paper pulp drying, finishing, drying, and curing in the aerospace, automotive, composite, energy, finishing, foundry, heat treating, annealing, military, and pharmaceutical industries. Types of ovens and equipment include custom and standard batch ovens, conveyor ovens, pollution control equipment, and walk-in ovens.
Thermwood is based in Dale, Indiana, and operates as a multinational diversified CNC machinery manufacturer that markets its products and services globally through offices in 11 countries. The company primarily serves the woodworking, aerospace, plastics, and composites industries but also serves almost every major industry from medicine to entertainment. The company’s products include both hardware and software. Hardware includes 3-axis and 5-axis CNC routers and LSAM machines. Software offerings include Mastercam, Moldplus, and THM Desktop among others.
Rees, Inc. began in 1929 and is based in Fremont, Indiana. The company is a designer and manufacturer of electromechanical and industrial control switches that serve the automotive, conveyor, material handling, food processing, and other manufacturing industries. The company manufactures its parts in the United States in ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities. The company’s product categories include various types of switches, control units, contact blocks, and push buttons. The company offers modification options on most parts available upon request.
Pinnacle Converting Equipment and Services, LLC, established in 1995, is a manufacturer of converting equipment, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company offers products for specific purposes including slitter rewinders used for cutting and rewinding materials, sheeting and stacking equipment for processing and stacking sheets, core cutting machines for precise trimming of cylindrical cores, and unwind equipment for smooth material unwinding. Furthermore, Pinnacle Converting Equipment and Services, LLC provides customized equipment solutions and also refurbishes used converting equipment for repurposing them in new production lines. Their machines are utilized in various industries such as packaging, printing, plastics, and the textile industry.
Omron Automation was originally established in 1933. Omron Automation is a producer and manufacturer for industrial automation solutions including robotics, sensing, motion, logic, and safety. Industries include automotive automation, electric vehicle manufacturing, food and beverage packaging, semiconductor and manufacturing electronics, life sciences automation, logistics & warehouse automation, machine tool, oil and gas, water and wastewater, entertainment, security and detention, and other industries. Some of Omron Automation’s product categories include machine automated controllers, RFID solutions, safety laser scanners, safety outputs, smart cameras, vision sensors, machine vision software, servo systems, articulated robots, parallel robots, SCARA robots, photoelectric sensors, and rotary encoders along with many software-based solutions.
CW Industries is based in Southampton, Pennsylvania, and is a manufacturer of electronic switches and connectors that was originally founded as The Wirt Company in 1904 before a company rebrand following its merger with Continental Carbon, Inc. in 1960. The company produces push button switches for keyboards or calculators, rocker switches for power tools or appliances, and slide switches for dimmers or volume sliders. It also offers insulation displacement connectors, along with custom switch and connector manufacturing services for customer projects. The company’s products are used mainly by clients in the consumer electronics, medical device manufacturing, and media industries.
Stephens Manufacturing was started in 1957 in Tompkinsville, Kentucky. Stephens is a manufacturer and distributor of concrete-related equipment. Categories include ready mix plants, precast plants, central mix plants, RCC, environmental, and material handling. Ready mix batch plants that generally have quicker installation. Precast plants are custom built. Portable mixers mix RCC and other mixes. Environmental components include dust collectors, reclaimers, and wash down racks. Material handling includes batchers, bins, hoppers, silos, conveyors, and vertical pigs. Stephens offers assistance in customer problem solving and delivers to customers globally.
Quail Electronics is headquartered in Livermore, California. QUAIL is an acronym for Quality products, Unparalleled customer service, Always competitive, Integrity, stability, commitment, and Live sales and support. Quail Electronics is a global distributor of power cord supplies for the OEM market. Quail Electronics primarily offers power cords, adapters, power strips, wire, and other cord-related devices such as cable retention devices. Quail Electronics also offers custom cord design for length, gauge, color, conductor count, and outlet compatibility.
Kinequip, Inc. was founded in 1946 in Buffalo, NY as a distributor of industrial parts, accessories, and kits. Today these offerings have grown to include motors, compressors, blower systems, clams, pumps, various fittings, gauges, and sensors, as well as pneumatic and high-pressure devices. Kinequip also serves as a distributor for individual device and parts manufacturers. Kinequip additionally offers custom-designed solutions ranging from R&D to unique components and special-made parts, as well as value added designs on demand.
Twittlebit.com is located in Lexington, Kentucky. Twittlebit is a distributor of industrial equipment and components divided into 8 sub-stores including: sensors, HMI & PLC, visual & audio , panel components, and pneumatic & vacuum. The company offers next day delivery to Kentucky and neighboring states, and 2-to-3-day delivery to most other states of in-stock products. The company offers in-stock selection of many top brands such as Autonics, EEControls, Panasonic, and Cembre. The company can also in-source many hard to find products directly from Japan from companies such as IDEC, Canon, Omron, and Fuji Electric in 7-to-10-days.
Shamrock Controls is a division of Burns Controls Company, an industrial distributor of hydraulic, pneumatic, and automation products. Burns Controls Company was established in 1971 in Dallas Texas. Shamrock Controls is a global distributor of IEC electrical motor controls and factor automation solutions. Shamrock Controls product listings include contractors, overload relays, DP contractors, relays, push buttons, pilot lights, control stations, motor starters, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, cam switches, power supplies, terminal blocks, cable glands, lock nuts, din rails, ducts, wire accessories, and various pneumatic components.
Marsh Electronics, Inc. is a distributor of electronic components that was established in 1937 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company offers various passive, electromechanical, and power semiconductor products. These products include potentiometers for regulating current and voltage, capacitors for energy storage, and terminal blocks. The company chiefly serves clients in the food and beverage, energy, and medical sectors. Some of its notable customers include companies such as GE Healthcare, Harley-Davidson, and Rockwell Automation.
Dietz Electric was founded in 1974 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dietz Electric is a broad-line stocking distributor offering electric motors, drives, and power transmission products. Dietz Electric also offers customization options to test, manufacture, modify, and repair all product offerings. Product offerings include electric motors, hazardous locations motors, custom electric motors, variable frequency drives, motor controls, power transmission solutions, and specialty items such as purge systems, Uras vibrators, disc brakes, transformers, and AC line reactors.
Baco Controls is the marketing arm of BACO, originally founded in 1919. Baco Controls was founded in 1980 and is currently located in Central New York. The company is a middle distributor of industrial control and signaling devices, generally selling to consumers and industries through other distributors. The company’s featured product categories include 22 mm and 30 mm Control and Signaling devices, Disconnect Switches, and Cam Switches. The company offers assistance in custom control stations tailored to customers’ specific needs.
SWITCHLAB INC, founded in Taiwan in 1988, is a manufacturer of electric machinery switches and terminal blocks. The company offers European type switches, Japanese type terminal blocks, and some European type terminal blocks to meet market demand. It also manufactures terminal blocks that serve as critical connection points in electrical circuits, including barrier terminal blocks, screwless terminal blocks, DIN rail terminal blocks and electric machinery switches, including rotary switches, and toggle switches.
Shenzhen Yikia Technology Co.,LTD was established in 2013 and is a manufacturer of industrial control button switches based in Longhua, Shenzen, China. The company manufactures various switch products such as metal push button switches, temperature control switch, and 3PDT FOOT guitar switch. These products are used in various applications such as smart wearable products, household appliances, and tire pressure monitoring systems. The company provides various customizations of mounting diameters, shapes, and LED voltages of the products according to customer's request.
EAO AG is based in Olten, Switzerland, and is a manufacturer of HMI systems and industrial switches that was established in 1978 following the merger of Elektro-Apparatebau Olten AG and Elektro-Apparatebau Zürich AG. The company’s product lineup includes HMI panels for use in medical devices, railway systems and industrial machinery, industrial switches such as emergency stops and keylocks, and modular as well as custom automotive switch systems. It also offers contract manufacturing services including design, development, production, and logistics. The company chiefly serves client manufacturers of industrial machinery, heavy duty vehicles, railway systems, and mass transit vehicles.
The SCHURTER Company was founded in 1933 and operates out of Lucerne, Switzerland. SCHURTER is an innovator and producer of electronic components for many markets including industrial equipment, medical equipment, automotive, avionics and space, data and communication, and energy. SCHURTER products and solutions include: circuit protection, connectors, switches, EMC, custom components, HMI solutions, PCAP touchscreens, resistive touchscreens, capacitive switches, membrane switches, and a series of smart products including Smart Connector DS11 PEM, Smart Connector DT31 external, and Smart Ecosystem.
Schneider Electric S.E. is headquartered in Rueil-Malmaison, France, and has been operating since 1836. Schneider Electric provides a number of products and services including electrical car charging, energy management software, surge protection devices, load banks, servers and HMIs, valve and valve actuators, feeder automation, grid automation, and SCADA software products, data center cooling and software, home automation and security, light switches, motion control and robotics, signaling units, solar and energy storage, RFID systems, as well as other hardware, services, and software.
Chint Europe (UK) Ltd, established in 1984 in London, United Kingdom, is a manufacturer of energy distribution products. The company makes various electrical products, including energy distribution solutions, industrial controls, and power protection equipment. The energy distribution solutions ensure stable electrical distribution, supporting the flow of electricity in various settings. The industrial controls, including circuit breakers, contactors, and switches are important for managing electrical systems, enhancing safety and safeguard against electrical faults and fluctuations. These products find application in construction, manufacturing, and energy generation sectors, ensuring safety and efficiency in process control.
H.P. Controls, established in 2005 in New Delhi, India, is a manufacturer of industrial lugs, HRC fuse base, and many commercial products. The company manufactures various products including industrial lugs, door knobs and locks, panel accessories, HRC fuse bases, and indicator lights. The industrial lugs provide secure electrical connections, ensuring the stability of electrical systems. The door knobs and locks are designed for security and convenience in various settings. The HRC fuse bases offer safe and efficient protection for electrical circuits, while the indicator lights are important for monitoring and signaling in industrial applications including electrical, construction, and manufacturing.
COMELETRIC, established in 1960 and headquartered in Melegnano, Italy, is a manufacturer of control switches and discrepancy switches. The company specializes in electrical components and solutions, with an emphasis on control switches, auxiliary switches, LED indicators, and discrepancy switches. These switches play an important role in electrical systems, offering precision control and the ability to detect discrepancies, ensuring safe and efficient operation. The products find application in various industries, including manufacturing, automation, and infrastructure development, where precise control and fault detection are essential for operational integrity.
Auspicious is a Taiwanese manufacturer of automation components founded in 1979 and based in New Taipei City. The company primarily produces various switches, visual and auditory indicators, control stations, and relays. These are used to activate or deactivate circuits, issue warnings when set parameters have been breached, and facilitate communication between different components in an automated production line. Auspicious products have applications in various industries including industrial automation, telecommunications, transportation, and renewable energy.
ElectroKaveh Manufacturing Industrial Group, established in 1982 and based in Tehran, Iran, is a manufacturer of electrical and power distribution equipment. The diverse product range includes electrical panels, switchgear, transformers, and power distribution components. These products are engineered for optimal efficiency, stability, and safety, ensuring seamless electricity distribution and control. The products and solutions cater to a broad spectrum of industries, including construction, infrastructure development, energy, and manufacturing, where dependable electrical equipment is essential for powering operations. The company complies with international standards (IEC) and also holds quality certifications from the Swedish SEMKO Institute and the Iranian National Standard Organization.
Highly Electric Co., Ltd. was established in 1974 in New Taipei City, Taiwan, as a manufacturer of industrial switches. The company provides a diverse range of products, including safety door limit switches, snap-action switches, toggle switches, rocker switches, foot switches, and sensors, among others. These components have diverse applications: safety door limit switches enhance machinery safety; snap-action switches offer swift switching; toggle and rocker switches control functions; foot switches enable hands-free operation; and sensors detect and transmit crucial data for automation and robotics. The industrial sectors where these components find applications include manufacturing, electronics, machinery, appliances, automotive, medical, and automation.
Autonics Corporation, established in 1977 and based in Busan, South Korea, is a developer and manufacturer of automation products, which are marketed worldwide. Some of its products include sensors, peripheral connection equipment, motion devices, control devices, and process automation instruments. The automation products are used in various industries, including automotive, packaging, machine tools, metal, and marine. The company has 12 international offices spanning over 100 countries, a fully automated warehouse system, and various international quality certifications, including RoHS, CE, UL, and EAC. Its safety products meet the functional safety standards IEC 61508 and mechanical safety standards ISO 13849.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
WEG S.A. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of industrial engineering products founded in 1961 and based in Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil. The company produces equipment and products for power generation, control, and coating metal or wood. These include powder coatings for decorative or protective purposes, gas turbines, and dry-type transformers. The company primarily serves clients in the oil and gas, wastewater processing, and mining industries. It also offers maintenance, engineering, and automation services to its customers.
EAO was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Olten, Switzerland, with manufacturing, sales, and distribution companies around the globe. The company serves core markets of transportation, automotive, heavy-duty & special vehicles, and machinery as a manufacturer of switches, keyboards, control elements, and human-machine interface systems. The company has three product divisions: HMI Components, HMI Systems, and EAO Automotive. Together, they include emergency stop switches, passenger convenience devices in transportation, and other switches for human-machine interfaces across industries.
ABB Electrification Canada is a subsidiary of industrial giant, ABB. ABB Electrification serves the data center solutions, oil, gas & chemicals, food & beverage, railway, infrastructure, and microgrids industries with solutions such as smart industry, E-mobility, smart living, smart power, smart cities, and smart distribution. Products include control systems, power electronics, UPS and power conditioning, industrial software, PLPC automation, robotics, power converters and inverters, medium voltage products, metallurgy products, control room solutions, and motors and generators.
Marlin Manufacturing Corporation, founded in 1952 and headquartered in Parma, Ohio, USA, is a manufacturer of advanced temperature instrumentation for research and industrial applications. The product line includes a diverse range of temperature sensors, probes, and transmitters, designed for precision and stability. These instruments offer accurate temperature measurement and control, ensuring optimal performance and safety in critical processes. These temperature instrumentation find extensive use in industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food processing, plastic molding, and scientific research, where precise temperature monitoring is paramount. The company is ISO9001:2015, and ISO 17025:2017 compliant and specializes in Thermowells.
MOD-TRONIC Instruments Limited was established in 1972 in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. MTis a distributor of industrial sensors, transducers, heaters, controls, and instrumentation, primarily made in the USA as well as Japan, Switzerland, and Germany. MT’s customers are primarily in the aerospace, building automation, manufacturing, medical, military, oil and gas, and water treatment industries but also serves individuals. MT offers an above industry standard 5-year warranty and technical support on every product sold.
Comepi Srl, established in 1963 and based in Robbiate, Lecco, Italy is a manufacturer and distributor of control auxiliaries, limit switches, and foot switches, as well as a vast range of safety switches. The company holds ISO 9001:2008 certification. The company's goods are distributed worldwide. It is specialised in safety devices, proximity sensors, control units, and signalling devices. An effective quality system with UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 certification oversees all procedures of the company.
Tech Span Industries Inc. is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario. The company is a distributor of hardware supplies for construction, manufacturing, and other markets to both commercial and individual customers. The company has two product lineups: electrical, and automotive. Across both lineups, the company has five product divisions: cord grips, extreme weather cable ties, megalumens, pin and sleeve connectors, and wire & cable. The company provides accompanying technical guides and assistance for assistance with installation and operation.
Saddle Brook Controls is a division of Ribble Engineering, which was founded in 1933 in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. Saddle Brook Controls is a manufacture as well as a designer, distributor, and support service provider of automation solutions for factory automation. Product groups include PLCs, controllers, Remote IO devices, HMIs, industrial computers, machine vision and inspection machines, motion devices, drives, motor controls, enclosures, circuit breakers, safety products, sensing and control products, power supplies, and UPS.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Milwakee, WI. Rockwell Automation provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions around the world. Rockwell Automation operates through their intelligent devices, software & control, and lifecycle services segments with both hardware and software products and services. The Intelligent Devices segment offers drives, motion, safety, sensing, industrial components, and configured-to-order products. The Software & Control segment provides control and visualization software and hardware, information software, and network and security infrastructure solutions. The Lifecycle Services segment provides consulting, professional services and solutions, and connected and maintenance services through independent distributors.
Electric Motor Center, Inc. is a distributor of electric drives and motors established in 1978 and based in Arkansas, USA. The company primarily stocks products from global manufacturers such as WEG, Baldor, and Worldwide Electric. These products include AC motors and controls, DC motors and controls, and gear products for utilizing AC or DC power. It also offers motion controls and servos for controlling the position, velocity, or torque of motors. The company mainly markets to its clients in the power generation, public utilities, and metalworking sectors.
Hybrid Electronics is a global distribution specialist of electronic components, with access to over 50 million unique components. Among the markets HE serves are the aerospace, automotive, communications, defense, industrial, medical, national security, and test & measurement industries. In addition to components, HE also provides quality and compliance testing, counterfeit detection, upscreening, and other forms of quality control. Examples of component subtypes that HE offers include ICs, batteries, capacitors, semiconductor products, sensors, circuit protection, interconnectors, filters, optoelectronics, relays, switches, power supplies, and cables and cable assemblies.
Hello BOM is an online electronic component storefront designed to bridge customers and suppliers. Customers supply Hello BOM with their bill of materials (BOM) and Hello BOM uses smart analysis via AI data matching to quickly find precise matches that customers need. This is accomplished via Hello BOM’s growing component stock and product information database to grow increasingly accurate and fast, while also simplifying the process of R&D and purchasing for customers. Products include semiconductors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, inductors, connectors, transistors, and sensors.
AutomationDirect.com was founded in 1994 to provide solutions for the industrial automation market and has been growing its list of offerings ever since. AutomationDirects’ extensive catalog includes individual components such as cables, various controls, I/O devices, relays, gauges, fittings, and sensors to complete systems. Many parts and devices, especially PLC units are customizable. AutomationDirect.com also provides support via video instructions, online manuals, a learning library, an active community forum to further assist customers.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | H.P. Controls |
7.1%
|
2 | Thermwood Corp. |
7.1%
|
3 | Wisconsin Oven Corporation |
7.1%
|
4 | COMELETRIC |
5.4%
|
5 | Rees, Inc. |
5.4%
|
6 | Stephens Mfg. Co., Inc. |
5.4%
|
7 | SWITCHLAB INC |
3.6%
|
8 | Techspan Industries Inc. |
3.6%
|
9 | Quail Electronics Inc. |
3.6%
|
10 | AutomationDirect Inc. |
3.6%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the selector switch page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 15 | 55.6% |
Taiwan | 3 | 11.1% |
Switzerland | 2 | 7.4% |
China | 1 | 3.7% |
France | 1 | 3.7% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 3.7% |
India | 1 | 3.7% |
Italy | 1 | 3.7% |
Iran | 1 | 3.7% |
Canada | 1 | 3.7% |
5 products are listed.
Masaie Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
■ Features It is a switch that switches the output (wattage) by changing the connection of two or three heaters. It is an easy operation just to tu...
Los Asian Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
■ Product image ・ 3/2 inline, spool & sleeve valve ・ Black switch knob actuator ・ Normal croses or normal open operation simply by properly pipi...